Located within Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard and believed to be one of the earliest examples of a fire-proof building in the south of England, the Pay Office boasts a storied past dating back to 1798. Forming part of the administrative heart of the dockyard, it managed the workers' wages and was the workplace of the father of renowned Portsmouth-born author Charles Dickens. Extensively rebuilt after suffering significant bomb damage during World War II, until recently it served as a repository for artefacts from the Mary Rose Museum, adding another layer to its eclectic history.

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Today, the Pay Office has been reimagined by the Sustainable Conservation Trust as a vibrant cultural hub and workplace for our resident artists, makers and craftspeople. Regularly hosting workshops, student activities and seminars, it also serves as a dynamic space for creativity and community engagement.

Through its revitalized presence, the Pay Office continues to honor its heritage while embracing its role as a catalyst for cultural enrichment in the Portsmouth community.